Vote-By-Ballots Are On The Way
July 19, 2022
Nearly 40,000 vote-by-mail ballots are headed to Escambia County mailboxes for the August 23 primary election, according to Supervisor of Elections David Stafford. This is in addition to ballots sent to military and overseas voters earlier this month.
Voters who have requested to vote by mail should begin receiving their ballot packages within a week. After completing the ballot, the voter must sign and date the return envelope and return it by mail (postage paid) or deliver it to elections office or an early voting site during early voting hours. Ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. All vote-by-mail ballots are verified prior to tabulation. Complete voter instructions are included in the package.
The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail ballots at least one week before the due date.
The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot for the primary election is 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 13. To request a vote-by-mail ballot visit EscambiaVotes.gov and click “Vote-by-Mail” or contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at (850) 595-3900.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Audrey Price Swicegood
July 19, 2022
Audrey Price Swicegood, age 90, died June 22, 2022 in Pensacola. A native of Live Oak, Florida, she formerly lived in Dothan, Alabama.
She was predeceased by her parents, Clyde K. Price, Virginia Gaskin and stepfather Kirk Gaskin, as well as her brother Ronald K. Price and sister Yvonne Greek.
Survivors include husband Glen M. Swicegood of Pensacola; children Brian (Debbie) of Miami, Luanne Wolf (Steve) of Pensacola, John (Tina) of Elgin, Oklahoma; granddaughters Lauren of Miami and Caelan of Elgin; brother-in-law Kent Swicegood, sister-in law Rose Marie Price and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Audrey was a graduate of Stetson University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky where she obtained her Master’s in Religious Education. She met and married Glen at SBTS and they lived in Nashville, TN before appointment in 1963 as missionaries to Brazil. In Recife in the Northeast, she taught in the WMU Training School preparing young women for church-related vocations, helped administer the Elisabeth Mein Children’s Home for girls, and was an unusually popular Sunday School teacher in the English Department of Emanuel Baptist Church in Boa Viagem, a church which she and Glen helped to start. Since retirement in 1993 they lived in Dothan, being active in turn at Calvary, Napier, and Bethlehem Baptist churches. Due to declining health she and Glen moved to Pensacola in 2021.
After private interment, a Celebration of Life service will be held at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 416 Bethlehem Road, Dothan, AL. on July 22 at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, friends may want to make memorial gifts to the International Mission Board of the SBC in Richmond, VA, or to your preferred charity.
James B. Gregory
July 19, 2022
James B. Gregory went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 14, 2022 in his home surrounded by his loving family.
James was a devoted husband for 51 years to his wife Patricia. He was a loving father and grandfather. James was born 89 years ago in Pensacola, Florida, son of James Senior and Vonceil Gregory.
Jim was a strong, independent and hardworking man who loved working as an Architectural Hardware consultant for many years. He provided for his family and loved them deeply. Jim and Pat loved to travel with their airstream with family and friends.
Poppa enjoyed playing golf, going fishing, and was a talented landscape artist. One of his favorite pastimes was watching his children and grandchildren playing the sports that they loved.
Jim and Pat loved their church, Heritage Baptist Church and attended when they were able loved listening to the word of God. James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Vonceil Gregory; daughter, Deborah Tourney.
He is survived by this wife Patricia Gregory; sons, Keith (Marilyn) Tourney, Donald (Faith) Tourney, David (Elsie) Tourney, one son and two daughters, many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 22, 2022 beginning at 12:30p.m. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. following the visitation at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North. Burial will follow at Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Silver Alert Canceled
July 18, 2022
UPDATE: The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has canceled this Silver Alert.
A Florida Silver Alert has been issued for 83-year old Carl McCall, last seen in the area of the 8500 block of Blue Jay Way in Pensacola.
He was wearing a blue t-shirt, blue jeans and black shoes. He may be traveling in a 2015 blue Subaru Outback with Florida tag number 2289UB.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or 911.
Escambia School Board Divided On Potential Property Tax Increase
July 18, 2022
The Escambia County School Board currently stands divided on a potential property tax increase.
The taxable property value in Escambia County is $27.5 billion dollars, according to the district, up $4.3 billion over the current tax year due to increases in real estate values and new construction.
Keeping the 2023 millage rate at 2022’s 1.214 mils would generate $32 million and put over $2 million into reserves. The district has the option of upping the millage rate to 1.5, which would mean $39.6 million in funding.
It’s estimated that the projects that can be funded by the property tax revenue will cost $29.6 million.
But keeping the millage rate the same for the upcoming year would technically be a tax increase. A lower rolled-back rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of property tax revenue as approved for the prior year. A millage rate higher than the rolled-back rate is defined by the state of Florida as a tax increase. The district won’t know the rollback rate until later this week.
“You know me. I would go with 1.5 mils if I could, but I know I don’t have any support there,” board member Patty Hightower said. The 1.5 mils rate would be the highest tax increase allowed by law. She said the district needs the revenue after overspending by $3 million last year.
“We’ve got to make sure we have the funds to cover those inflation costs,” Hightower said, citing a 9.1% inflation rate the district faces on purchases.
“People out there are suffering through the same inflation that we’ve got going on,” board chairman Kevin Adams replied. “There is no way that I’m going to support a tax increase on the citizens of Escambia County. It’s not happening with me. Now the rest of my board members, if they want to join that party, it’s up to you.”
Adams said he would support the rolled-back rate and adjust the budget accordingly. He said the citizens of Escambia County will not support a property tax increase, especially after the school district has seen an increase in sales tax revenue and federal dollars.
“I will support the 1.214,” District 5 board member Bill Slayton said, later adding that he would vote for the rate necessary to maintain the same level of funding.
“I am not going to support a tax increase either,” Paul Fetsko said. I agree we’ve got the revenue coming from half cents sales tax.”
Adams, as the chairperson running a recent board workshop meeting, turned to member Dr. Laura Edler and asked for her opinion as the deciding vote.
“I could get sick that day,” Edler quipped.
Pictured top: Escambia County School Board Chairperson Kevin Adams explains that he will not support a tax increase. Pictured inset: Board member Patty Hightower. Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Those Summer Afternoon Showers Will Be The Week’s Daily Norm
July 18, 2022
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 93.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74.
Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92.
Woman Charged With Victim Tampering In Century ‘Vicious Bar Brawl’ With Seven Suspects
July 18, 2022
An Atmore woman has been charged with a felony for allegedly interfering into the investigation in a “vicious bar brawl” in Century.
Seven suspects have been charged to date, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said several are “documented criminal outlaw motorcycle gang members”.
Brandy Michelle Kendrick, 44, was charged with tampering with a victim in a felony first degree proceeding. She was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
After reviewing video of the incident, deputies determined Kendrick was present for portions of the battery, according to an arrest report. After the battery ends she appears to check on the victim and have a conservation with another individual, pulling her aside for several minutes, the report continues.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s office said Kendrick appeared to intervene several times with a victim’s interview. After Kendrick left, the victim was crying and stated they were scared to identify any suspects “due to what she was told in regards to her speaking with law enforcement”, the report states.
According to the ECSO, Kendrick was in a dating relationship with suspect Bradley Griener.
James Joseph Dixon, 27, of Port Saint Lucie, Florida, was charged with two counts of felony aggravated battery, aggravated assault, and obstructing justice. He remained in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $275,000.
Deputies said Dixon pressed a handgun into the victim’s eye, threatening to kill the victim if he talked to law enforcement.
Dixon is a documented member of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club according to an arrest report.
One person was transported to the hospital following the violent fight May 7at Odom’s Bar in the 9500 block of North Century Boulevard. The victim was found outside the bar covered in blood with several injuries to his face, according to deputies.Surveillance video is below.
As NorthEscambia.com previously reported, John Percy Johnson, age 45 of Century; Bradley Scott Griener, age 31 of McDavid; Brody Luke Trainer, age 44 of Gulf Breeze; Robert Tyler Dean, age 54 of Pace; and Preston David Perry, age 31 of Pace were each charged with aggravated battery. Dean, Perry and Trainer were also charged with additional felony battery and/or assault counts. All five were released from jail on bonds ranging from $25,000 to $150,000.
A sixth suspect, 44-year old Steven R Jay Arnold of Brewton, later turned himself in at the jail on charges of aggravated battery with the use of a deadly weapon, aggravated battery for causing great bodily harm, and aggravated assault for use of a deadly weapon with the intent to kill.
The victim’s girlfriend told deputies that he was attacked by several bikers outside the bar where six or seven alleged bikers were kicking and stomping him. One allegedly pointed a gun during the attack.
The victim told investigators that he had been having an ongoing issue with “Percy Johnson” and the two ran into each other at the bar. He said Johnson told him to step outside where he was attacked by approximately five bikers wearing Outlaw motorcycle gang clothing. In addition to punching, kicking and stomping him, “one of the individuals pressed a firearm into his eyeball and stated they would kill him if he talked to the police and that not to mess with their biker family”, an arrest report states.
After the victim made a statement that he was going to sue the bar, a man believed to be the bar’s bouncer along with three or four other males began to beat him again, the report states. After the attacks, the girlfriend was approached by a white female wearing a biker vest who informed her that if she talked to law enforcement, it would “not be pretty for her”, the report continues.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office obtained search warrants and seized video recordings from the bar.
An ECSO investigator said in his report that the videos show the victim and Johnson walk outside the bar, followed by at least seven other people, most of whom were wearing insignia consistent with criminal outlaw motorcycle gangs to include the Southern Saints and Outlaws.
The altercation was captured on video (posted below), showing the victim kicked, punched, and stomped on several times by numerous individuals, the ECSO report states. The victim remains on the ground for over 15 minutes, apparently unconscious until medical personnel arrive on scene.
The victim suffered a broken arm, broken nasal cavities and lost feeling in his lower back and leg, he told deputies. He stated that when the gun was pressed into his eye, he was told “If you talk to the police, we will kill you”.
The five suspects were released from jail on bonds as follows: Johnson -$25,000; Griener – $35,000; Trainer – $150,000; Dean – $65,000; Perry – $85,000; Arnold – $65,000.
The video below has no sound.
FHP Seeks Fatal Crash Witnesses In ‘Send Nudes’ Tahoe
July 18, 2022
The Florida Highway Patrol is seeking two witnesses to a July 7 fatal crash in Escambia County.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and North W Street after 7 p.m. The wreck claimed the life of a 56-year old Escambia County woman and critically injured her 38-year old passenger.
The witnesses were in a black Chevrolet Tahoe with black aftermarket rims. The back window had “Send Nudes” written on it, troopers said.
The individuals stopped at the intersection but left prior to providing statements to troopers.
“We are simply trying to locate these individuals for questioning about the traffic crash only, they are not in trouble nor do they face any charges,” FHP Lt. Jason King said. “We would also like to extend this opportunity to any witnesses willing to come forward and speak to the Florida Highway Patrol, as it relates to this fatal crash.”
Anyone with information is asked to call *FHP or (850) 484-5000.
James Floyd Tolin
July 18, 2022
James Floyd Tolin, born October 7, 1973, went home to be with his Lord and Savior at his home on July 16, 2022. He was an amazing husband, father, son, brother and friend. If he called you friend, you were a friend for life. He was proud to work for the City of Atmore for 27 years and Wind Creek Casino for 20 years. He has always been a hard worker. He loved providing for his family and helping anyone he could.
He was born to Herman E. Tolin and Merle Harris Tolin. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; siblings: Sheila M. Tolin and Angie M. Tolin; father-in-law, James E. Powe; brother-in-law, Kyle Powe and several aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Tammy S. Tolin of Atmore, AL; one son, James Benjamin O. Tolin (Bean) of Atmore, AL; one brother, H. Roy Tolin of Atmore, AL; his mother-in-law, Sue McClendon of Atmore, AL; sister-in-law, Mary E. Faucett (Hollis) of Pensacola, FL and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. Tim Tew and Dr. Larry Patterson officiating. Interment will follow at Serenity Gardens Cemetery in Atmore, AL.
Active pallbearers will be Shaun Cruz, Brian Burkett, Wesley Webb, Allen Sharpless, Will Hawks and John O’Barr.
Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of the City of Atmore.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 20, 2022 from 1:30 p.m. until service time at 2:30 p.m. at Brooks Memorial Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pilots for Christ.
Florida Gas Prices Continue Decline, AAA Says
July 18, 2022
Florida gas prices dropped another 15 cents last week. The state average is now on a five-week streak of declines, falling a total of 62 cents per gallon.
Sunday, the average price for gasoline across the state was $4.27 per gallon. This time last year, the price was $3 a gallon.
The average price per gallon in Escambia County was $4.20. In North Escambia, a low of $4.21 could be found Sunday night on Highway 29 in Cantonment, while multiple Pensacola stations were below $4, including $3.61 at a warehouse club.
“Drivers are likely relieved to get a break from record-high prices, and prices could get even cheaper this week,” Jenkins continued. “However, it’s important to remember that the market remains extremely volatile, and prices have the potential to bounce back. That particularly applies to hurricane season. If a major storm makes landfall along the gulf coast, impacting operations at refineries in Texas, Louisiana, or Mississippi, prices could spike, due to concerns about fuel supplies.”